Finding the Best Folding Incline Treadmill
Finding the ideal treadmill that folds to fit your needs can be an uphill climb. It can be challenging to navigate the overcrowded, low-cost market.
The budget option may appear simple, but it is a powerhouse when it comes fitness functionality. It can go up to 12 mph and offers 12 incline levels. It is foldable and tucked under a bed to store.
1. SereneLife Folding Treadmill with Incline
Folding treadmills are an excellent option for those who want an exercise at home but does not wish to dedicate a whole room to the machine. These treadmills are easy to fold and unfold, making them ideal for small apartments and living spaces. They can also be easily stored when not in use. Some models come with wheels to make transporting them much easier.
One of the most well-known small, folding incline treadmills on the market is this model from SereneLife. It is designed to work with different weights and heights with adjustable settings. The treadmill also offers various programs and features, including Bluetooth connectivity, an LCD display, and 12 pre-programmed workouts. It can accommodate a maximum user weight of 265 pounds.
This treadmill comes with an hydraulic folding mechanism that makes it simple to open and close. It can be locked to increase safety. It also comes with a safety key that can be used to turn off the power in an emergency function as well as a digital LCD screen with touch button controls, and a built-in tray for books/magazines and cup holders. The engine's horsepower is 1 horsepower, and it can reach speeds between 0.6 to 6 MPH. This makes it ideal for walking and jogging at a moderate pace.
The folding incline treadmill by SereneLife is an affordable option for those looking to exercise at home. The company sells only two treadmills, so it's not a brand that is expected to be at the leading edge of fitness technology. However, the treadmill is still quite modern and has plenty to offer at a low cost. Its deck is shorter compared to other treadmills. It's not a good choice for those who are taller and have a longer step.
2. iFit 1250 Treadmill
This treadmill that folds up from NordicTrack is a fantastic choice for runners and power walkers who want to exercise with incline features. The motor and frame are more robust than other treadmills that fold in this price range and has a huge running deck that is suited for running at high speeds. The running deck measures 20 inches in length and 60 inches in width and should be able to accommodate runners of all sizes. The deck is smaller than other models I've tested however, it's still a comfortable fit for most users.
The Commercial 1250 can track your heart rate via the SmartBeat wireless chest strap (sold separately) and the treadmill utilizes that information to automatically adjust the speed and incline in accordance with your ideal training zone. This feature, called ActivePulse is the main reason why I prefer the Commercial 1250 over similar treadmills at this price point.
You can also enjoy iFit programming on this treadmill, which comes with an extensive collection of workouts and training videos featuring coaches and elite runners. The iFit program also offers guided runs that can take you to locations like Patagonia. If you don't want to use the treadmill with iFit, it can still be used, but you won't get the automatic adjustments or intense training experiences.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is a quite heavy for a treadmill that folds and requires a significant amount of space for operation. The treadmill is easy to move around and comes with a 10-year guarantee. The warranty is longer than that of other treadmills at this price which is nice to be able to.
3. iFit 1250 Folding Treadmill
This treadmill is among the best iFit options available. It has the ability to automatically adjust both speed and incline. With iFIT, you get access to hundreds of workouts on demand, led by top trainers, and that span the globe. The iFIT workouts feature AutoAdjust technology which means that your treadmill will automatically adjust the speed and incline of your training in accordance with the trainer's instructions (requires the SmartBeat heart rate monitor, available separately).
The 1250 Folding treadmill also features a 10-inch HD touchscreen. It pivots and tilts and allows you to navigate iFIT without having to press buttons. The screen is at the ideal height for me and is easy to use. You can listen to your trainer's voice using the built-in speakers of 2 2- 2" and you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to get lost in the music. The iFit Folding treadmill comes with an AutoBreeze workout fan that is built-in to those who are running.
With three decline settings and 12 incline levels it is a great way to prepare for any terrain. The Commercial 1250 comes with 1.9-inch rollers. They're not as big as those on the Peloton Treadmill but should be sufficient for most runners and walkers.
Another excellent feature of the iFit 1250 is its ActivePulse heart rate monitoring technology. This technology will automatically adjust your speed and incline to maintain your heart rate at the optimal level during your workout (requires the SmartBeat chest strap - not included). The iFit 1250 is on sale for $1,999, which is less expensive than the Peloton Treadmill however it still provides an excellent experience. You'll have access to a vast library of workouts and iFIT's community coaches, who will inspire you to keep going.
4. iFit 1250 Plus Treadmill
This treadmill comes with iFit, which allows users to follow along online workouts or even participate in live classes in the studio. This isn't found on other treadmills, and it's an excellent method to get the most benefit from your exercise routine. The console will display your workout statistics, including time, speed and distance. It also tracks your heartrate.
This model is part of the Commercial Series by Nordictrack. It comes with several high-end features which will help you reach your fitness goal. It features AutoAdjust technology that adjusts the treadmill's speed and incline during your trainer-led sessions. It also comes with ActivePulse technology, which will adapt the settings of the treadmill to your personal heart rate monitor while using the iFit workouts.
Another feature that we love about this model is its massive 22-inch touch screen for streaming iFit workout classes. It also has built-in speakers, an Automatic Trainer Control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a cushioned deck for a more comfortable exercise. It's a bit less expensive than other NordicTrack models, but still provides plenty for the price.
The treadmill is heavy and bulky. It may be easier to store it in one spot rather than move it, however it is simple to fold away when not in use thanks to the gas shock. It also has a low step-up height of 7.75 inches, which makes it easy to get on and off the machine. For more information on this model, take a look at our complete review. Check out our reviews on other popular treadmills like the NordicTrack EXP7i and the NordicTrack 1750.
5. iFit 1250 Treadmill with Incline
The iFit 1250 treadmill with incline is a stunning set of workout features at your fingertips and folds up easily. It has an 3.5 CHP motor that delivers plenty of power for tough running and HIIT exercises with an incline of 15% and a 3% decline to increase the intensity. It's also extremely quiet, making it an ideal option for walking while taking calls or video calls.
The 10" touchscreen provides a large display to monitor your progress and accessing the iFit programming platform. This platform gives you videos from trainers and elite runners. It also offers guided walks and runs across different terrains, such as forests, mountains and beaches. It can also be connected to your iFit wearable devices to automatically adjust incline and speed to ensure you can get the most benefit from every session.
It is important to note that iFit requires a SmartBeat Heart Rate Monitor, that is sold separately. These can be found at many fitness stores and online. They help to keep you in the ideal exercise zone. The iFit 1250 has Bluetooth speakers integrated to stream your favorite music.
SmartGlide deck is another feature that makes the iFit1250 stand out. It automatically adjusts itself to your stride's changes. This prevents injuries and helps keep you comfortable when you run or walk.

The treadmill is also compact, which makes it easy to put it under a bed or couch when not in use. The EZ Lift assist makes it easy to open and close the machine. You can even place your laptop on the console and exercise during your next Zoom meeting!